The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1887-02-24

The visitor whose fortunate lot may be cast
among the clay hills and branching oaks of old
Tallahassee at this beautiful season of the yea,
must be indeed unappreciative if he cannot find
sufficient means Of enjoyment in the abundance
of natural and social opportunities everywhere
at hand. Fox chasing Is just now one of the
most popular forms of amusement, and one
which IL amounting to almost q craze among
visitors and residents alike.
The proprietors of the Leon and our hospitable
citizens are always ready to initiate the delighted
stranger into the mysteries of this exciting and In
MIGRATING sport. Tuesday morning, Washing
toms birthday, was celebrated by chase especi-
ally complimentary to Mr.. r. w. Patterson, man.
aging editor of the Chicago Tribune. guest of the
Leon Hotel, and in the early daylight number
OF ladies and gentlemen from the hotel guests,
accompanied by many Of our citizens, were
promptly on hand ready and eager for the antici-
pated sport
The hounds, as on previous occasions, were
kindly furnished by Captain ]. j. and Mr. G. r.
Chaires and Mr.. Arvah Hopkins, and to the cour-
tesy and experience of these gentlemen the sue
cess of these hunts Is largely attributable. The
meet was at the Leon, and the hounds were
thrown of" at q ravine on Mr. Aliens plan.
tation, some two miles south from Tallahassee,
At the same locality where the foxes were found
80 numerous at the last chase. But little time
was consumed before the dogs had found their
game, and the morning air resounded to the ex-
hilarating music of horns and hounds, "better,"
as enthusiastically expressed by veteran hunter,
than any piano"
The fox was big old gray, supposed to be
the same that had successfully evaded pursuit
at the commencement OF last weeks chase, and
soon proved his proverbial cunning by disap-
pointing the predictions of the knowing ones.
by straight away break for the piney woods
when he had been confidently expected to in.
dulge in his customary "circling in the open
plantation. 80 hard riding, and plenty of it,
was the order Of the chase, and it was wild.
rough scramble over hill and wood, and branch
and field, with no mishaps, however, beyond q
single fall and few dislodged hats, scratc hed
faces, or torn habits from obtrusive branches or
tenacious briars till the heated and exhausted
horses and riders were forced to compulsory
halt ON the confines of the Smith Hammock"
~ ~~-~S~ s-Au souBiOu w UC ptnctr6tcO even Dy
the most adventurous.
But Reynard had reckoned too confidently on
the security of this dense retreat, and was
quickly captured and dispatched by the pursuing
hounds. Mr.. Arvah Hopkins forced his way into
the thicket and secured the trophy OF the brush.
which was presented to Miss Annie Papy
After short rest, the party returned home
well satisfied with the results of the third Leon
county fox hunt.
The ladies participating In the chase were
Mrs. Livingston, of New York; Miss Josephine
Houghteling, Miss Laura Houghteling of Chica.
go; Miss Belle Mitchell, of Thomasville; Miss
Annie Papy and Miss Sallie Barnes, of Tailahas-
zee.
The chase proper occupied about three-quar-
tiers of an hour and was well ridden throughout
and with the usual exciting incidents of many
narrow escapes and no serious mishaps. An
amusing burlesque upon the hunt was perpetrated
by party, which, unable to secure horses, had
procured an OK team, and were discovered upon
the road comfortably equipped with chairs and
umbrellas and leisurely Flooding towards the ex.
pected scene Of action. They were again met by
the returning hunters still a-going."